Learn ASP.NET Web API Development: Building and Testing a Complete Books Inventory

Are you looking to learn modern software development practices using .NET? This comprehensive guide walks you through building a complete books inventory application, covering everything from API design to robust testing strategies. Discover how to create scalable and maintainable systems with our practical, hands-on approach.

Why This Books Inventory Project is Your Next Learning Hub

This project isn't just another code repository; it's a dynamic learning platform. Here's what you'll gain:

• Practical Skills: Learn by doing, applying best practices to a real-world application.
• Modern Technologies: Master ASP.NET Minimal Web API, Docker, and more.
• Testing Expertise: Write effective integration tests and leverage Testcontainers.
• System Design Insights: Understand the principles of building scalable systems.

1. Setting Up Your Local Development Environment

Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps to get the Books Inventory project running on your machine.

• Clone the Repository:

  git clone https://github.com/dorinandreidragan/books-inventory.git
  

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• Navigate to the Project Directory:

  cd books-inventory
  

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• Start Required Services with Docker Compose: This step ensures all dependencies are running.

• Initialize the Database:

  dotnet ef database update --project src/BooksInventory.WebApi/BooksInventory.WebApi.csproj
  

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• Build and Run the Application:

  dotnet run --project src/BooksInventory.WebApi/BooksInventory.WebApi.csproj
  

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• Explore API Endpoints: Open BooksInventory.http in VS Code REST Client (or your preferred tool) to test the API's functionalities.

2. Building a Minimal Web API with ASP.NET

Discover the simplicity and power of ASP.NET Minimal Web API. Create endpoints with minimal code, focusing on functionality and performance. Learn how to:

• Define routes and handlers efficiently.
• Handle requests and responses with ease.
• Structure your API for scalability.

3. Mastering Integration Testing for Web APIs

Ensure your API works flawlessly with comprehensive integration tests. Here’s what you'll learn:

• Write tests that validate the entire API workflow.
• Use tools like dotnet test to run your tests.
• Create robust tests that catch potential issues early.

4. Advanced Testing with Testcontainers: Simplify Database Interactions

Testcontainers streamline integration testing by providing lightweight, disposable instances of databases and other dependencies. You will:

• Set up Testcontainers to create a PostgreSQL container for your tests.
• Write tests that interact with a real database instance.
• Ensure your data layer functions correctly under test conditions.

5. System Design Principles for Scalable Applications

Learn the fundamentals of designing systems that can grow with your needs. This project demonstrates:

• Structuring your application for maintainability.
• Applying patterns for scalability, focusing on clear code.
• Making design decisions that support long-term development.

6. Continuous Integration with GitHub Actions

Automate your testing and deployment process with GitHub Actions. Our CI pipeline ensures:

• Every commit and pull request is automatically tested.
• Code quality is maintained through automated checks.
• Deployments are streamlined and reliable.

How You Can Contribute and Make This Project Even Better

We welcome contributions from the community! Here's how you can get involved:

• Fix Bugs: Squash those pesky bugs and submit a pull request.
• Add Features: Implement new functionality and enhance the project.
• Improve Documentation: Clarify and expand the documentation to help others learn.

Ready to Build Your Skills?

Dive into the Books Inventory project and start building your .NET expertise today. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this repository offers valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your software development journey.